Pubs urged to get 'Kegaware'

An awareness campaign to try and ensure best practice when it comes to the safe and secure storage of containers - at every stage in Britain's beer supply chain - has been launched by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

Under the 'Kegaware' initiative, a leaflet - 'Are you doing your bit?' - is being distributed to pubs across the country, with further support material in the pipeline.

With hundreds of thousands of kegs going missing each year, the cost burden is a serious and unsustainable problem, says the BBPA, with the costs associated with keg losses affecting all parts of the trade, including brewers, pubs, licensees and their customers.

The BBPA leaflet identifies six simple 'fixes' for publicans to ensure best practice when it comes to looking after kegs and casks:

1 - KEEP THEM SAFE: Store them safely - store all containers in a safe place, preferably inside, from delivery to collection.

2 - SECURE THEM! If containers are left outside - secure them and don't use them for any other purpose.

3 - PROMPT RETURN - Always return empty containers on each delivery and request the collection of surplus empties promptly to ensure containers always move efficiently through the system.

4 - CHECK YOUR PAPERWORK - Check your delivery note - when your empties are collected, always check that the right numbers are entered on the delivery note.

5 - ALWAYS SIGN - Sign it! - always sign your delivery note for both fulls and empties.

6 - ASK FOR ID - If in doubt, ask for identification - only authorised staff will collect your empties.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, commented: "At any given time, there are eight million kegs in circulation. They are a precious resource. Keeping tabs on them is a big challenge, but one we must rise to if we want our unique system of distribution to operate efficiently and effectively for decades to come."

The new BBPA leaflet can be downloaded at www.kegaware.com​